Thursday, March 20, 2008

I've been on an "earrings" kick lately, busting out new earrings every evening, taking photos, and loading them onto my etsy site. I've been to three wonderful bead shows over the past two months and picked up lots of gorgeous Czech glass--both vintage and new beads. I have spent the past week making different combinations with glass, brass, and gemstones and loving every one of them. I must have found my muse during South by Southwest as I am anxious to create, create, create. Perhaps I need to get out and see new live music more often!

Saturday, March 15, 2008

Just one more cool thing about South by Southwest (SXSW): Elijah Wood as DJ for the Bust Magazine party in Austin on the afternoon of Saturday, March 15. I went for the crafts. I went to say "Hey!" to Jennifer Perkins, my fave DIY show hostess. And I went to see what music Elijah would bust out of his iPod. The bonuses: free drinks, free tote bags, and more free drinks. I love this town!

Wednesday, March 12, 2008

On Tuesday, March 11 we went out for the evening to see a few bands--none we'd ever heard of, but we were open to seeing what was on the venue for a South by Southwest (SXSW) party at The Beauty Bar on 7th Street in downtown Austin. Upon arrival, the inside stage was between sets so a DJ was spinning a very cool mix of tunes. (I guess I don't get out much in the club scene because I'd never heard Dolly Parton's hit "9 to 5" mixed with a beat as a dance tune, but it was pretty cool to hear that song and reminisce about the movie.) When the band was ready and came on stage, they pretty much knocked our socks off. They played this music that I'd never thought I'd own up to liking--something like a blend of the Black Crowes, Jim Morrison, Led Zeppelin, and Blue Oyster Cult--and seemingly straight out of a time warp from the 70's. The guys all had Jesus hair and tight 70's pearl snap shirts and they rocked it out like they owned the hippie rock movement. The band, Scorpion Child, is one I'd definitely go see again--possibly even with my parents (Gasp!). For some reason, I think they'd dig their classic rock vibe, as long as they're wearing ear plugs to tune down the volume.

This is the greatest thing about South by Southwest... Heading out for the evening with an open mind and stumbling upon something super sweet and memorable in your own backyard--a band that you never knew existing, but have to definitely go see again. I have Scorpion Child on my "must see" list for 2008.

Tuesday, March 11, 2008

I love living in downtown Austin. Every spring we are the host city to South by Southwest (SXSW), a huuuuuge convergence of interactive, film, and music professionals and one of the largest conventions in the state. As the host city, we get to partake in thousands of free events--free live music, free parties, and free schwag.

On Sunday, March 9, Etsy was here to host an event called the People Powered Party at the Tap Room. I knew I couldn't miss out on the opportunity to "hang" with Etsy, as well as the other hosts--Moo and Threadless. The party started at 9 pm, but the line probably started before 8 pm. By 8:45, it was down the sidewalk and starting to wriggle around the corner. I wasn't sure if it was an indication of the hosts' popularity or the event notices mentioning free drinks.

My companions and I found a great spot for people watching and let the night happen. I left some of my handcrafted etsy flyers in the ladies restroom, which was eventually taken over by the men who didn't want to wait in line for the men's bathroom. (Grr!) As the night progressed we were tagged with meta tags (descriptive stickers), given Moo samplers, and met Etsy's very cool communications director, Matt. We passed out a lot of business cards and had a great time. I'll be looking forward to Etsy events each year as SXSW rolls into town.